Fluid connector with full insertion assurance cap with secondary latches

ABSTRACT

A fluid connector for coupling a tubular member having an endform spaced from a first insertion end to an external component, including a connector body, including a bore having a first end for receiving the tubular member, and a first exterior groove spaced from the first end and arranged for receiving one or more projections of an assurance cap for latching the assurance cap to the connector body when the tubular member is fully inserted into the bore.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a divisional of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/725,639, filed on May 29,2015, which application claims priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/005,136, filed on May 30, 2014, whichapplications are incorporated herein in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fluid connectors including a fluidcarrying tubular member which is coupled to a connector body that isconnected to a device which uses the fluid, and more particularly, to aconnector body which is arranged for fitting with a tubular member andan assurance cap which ensures proper connection between the connectorbody and the tubular member.

BACKGROUND

In an automotive application, the fluid carrying components areconnected at one end to an automatic transmission and at another end toa cooler disposed within a vehicle radiator. Other automotiveapplications using fluid connectors include turbo connections. Suchquick connectors, as they are often called, typically include aresilient clip carried on the fitting body which is adapted to snapbehind a raised shoulder of an end form on the tubular member when thetubular member is fully inserted into the fitting body to lock thetubular member in place.

Assurance caps can be used to ensure full insertion of the tubularmember in the body. As assurance cap is carried by the tubular memberand slides over the tubular member insertion end of the body and snapsover the outer edges of the resilient clip. If the tubular member is notfully inserted in the body such that the resilient clip is not seatedbehind the raised shoulder on the tubular member, raised portions of theresilient clip extend further radially outward from the body andinterfere with the complete movement of the assurance cap to its fullyinstalled position thereby providing an indication to the installer thatthe tubular member is not fully latched in the body.

Thus, there is a long felt need for a connector body that is arranged tobe engaged by a tubular member and an assurance cap such that theassurance cap may ensure that proper connection is made between thetubular member and the connector body.

SUMMARY

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluidconnector for coupling a tubular member having an endform spaced from afirst insertion end to an external component, comprising a connectorbody, including a bore having a first end for receiving the tubularmember, and a first exterior groove spaced from the first end andarranged for receiving one or more projections of an assurance cap forlatching the assurance cap to the connector body when the tubular memberis fully inserted into the bore.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluidconnector for coupling a tubular member having an endform spaced from afirst insertion end to an external component, comprising a connectorbody, including a bore having a first end for receiving the tubularmember, an outer surface, a first exterior groove arranged at an axialdistance from the first end for receiving one or more projections of anassurance cap for latching the assurance cap to the connector body whenthe tubular member is fully inserted into the bore, and a raised portiondisposed between the first end and the first exterior groove, the raisedportion extending radially outward from the outer surface, and aretainer clip carried on the connector body and extending partially intothe bore to engage a shoulder of the endform to lock the tubular memberin the connector body when the first insertion end is fully insertedinto the bore.

A fluid connection with an assurance cap for assuring full insertion andlatching of a tubular member in a connector body comprising an endformspaced from a first insertion end defining a radially disposed shoulder,a connector body comprising a bore with one open end receiving thetubular member. A retainer clip is carried on the connector body andextends partially into the bore to engage the shoulder of the tubularmember to lock the tubular member in the connector body when aninsertion end of the tubular member is fully inserted into the bore inthe fitting body. An assurance cap is slidably mounted relative to thetubular member. The assurance cap defining an annular body with aplurality of primary latch fingers with end projections configured forlatching in a recessed groove in the connector body spaced from one endof the connector body to latch the assurance cap on the connector bodyonly when the tubular member is fully inserted into the connector body.A secondary latch is carried on the assurance cap body for engaging oneof the retainer clip and the tubular member to secondarily latch theassurance cap to the tubular member only when the tubular is fullyinserted into the bore in the connector body.

The primary latch fingers may comprise a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced primary latch fingers extending from a first end of the assurancecap body.

In one aspect, the primary latch fingers include a radially inwardprojection formed on a flexible end of the primary latch finger; and aradially outward opening groove formed in the connector body, spacedfrom the one open end of the connector body, the groove and theprojections on the primary latch fingers engageable to primarily latchthe assurance cap to the connector body only when the tubular member isfully inserted into the bore in the connector body.

The secondary latch may include an inner support ring fixed in theassurance cap body radially inward of the primary latch fingers, theinner support ring comprising a through bore through which the tubularmember extend, the inner support ring comprising an inner end positionedto engage a surface on the tubular member to provide a secondary latchbetween the assurance cap body and the tubular member when the tubularmember is fully inserted into the bore in the connector body.

The surface on the tubular member is axially spaced from the endform anddefines a raised surface on the tubular member.

The secondary latch may include a plurality of stepped fingerscircumferentially spaced between the primary latch finger, each of thestepped fingers comprising an inner stepped surface configured tooverlay a radially outward portion of the retainer clip when theassurance cap is latched to the quick connector body and the tubularmember to resist radially outward expansion of the retainer clip.

The primary latch fingers may include a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced primary latch fingers extending from a first end of the assurancecap body, and one stepped finger disposed intermediate at least oneprimary latch finger.

The plurality of primary latch fingers may be arranged incircumferentially spaced pairs of adjacent side-by-side arranged primarylatch fingers, and one stepped finger is interposed between each pair ofprimary latch fingers.

The raised portion of the connector body may include an outwardextending tapered portion extending from the outer diameter of theconnector body to the outer surface of the raised portion on theconnector body.

The raised portion formed on a receiving end of the fitting bodycomprising an outer diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter ofthe receiving end of the fitting body extending from the receiving endof the fitting body, an annular recess positioned adjacent to the raisedportion for receiving the latch fingers of the assurance cap in a latchposition of the assurance cap on the fitting body.

The connector assembly including the assurance cap body comprisingpivotally connected first and second sections lockable in a continuousannular body about the tubular member, and the first and second sectionof the assurance cap body being pivotally movable relative to apivotally connected end to allow mounting of the assurance cap bodyaround the tubular member.

The connector assembly including secondary latch includes an innersupport ring fixed in the assurance cap body radially inward of theprimary latch fingers, the inner support ring comprising a through borethrough which the tubular member extends, the inner support ringcomprising an inner end positioned to engage a surface on the tubularmember to provide a secondary latch between the assurance cap body andthe tubular member when the tubular member is fully inserted into thebore in the connector body, the surface on the tubular member is axiallyspaced from the endform and defines a raised surface on the tubularmember; a plurality of stepped fingers circumferentially spaced betweenthe primary latch fingers, and each of the stepped fingers comprising aninner stepped surface configured to overlay a radially outward portionof the retainer clip when the assurance cap is latched to the quickconnector body and the tubular member to resist radially outwardexpansion of the retainer clip.

The connector assembly includes the primary latch fingers furtherincluding a plurality of circumferentially spaced primary latch fingersextending from a first end of the assurance cap body, and one stepfinger disposed intermediate at least one primary latched finger.

The connector assembly including the plurality of primary latch fingersarranged in circumferentially spaced pairs of adjacent side-by-sidearranged primary latch fingers, and one stepped finger interposedbetween each pair of primary latch fingers.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the followingdetailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings andappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which correspondingreference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a prior artfluid quick connector with assurance cap;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled quick connector andassurance cap;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view generally taken along line 3A-3A inFIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view generally taken along line 3B-3B inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a right end of the assurance cap shownin FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the opposite end of the assurance capshown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the assurance cap shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view generally taken along line 7-7 in FIG.6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the assurancecap and quick connector body when the tubular member is not fullyinserted into the quick connector body;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a quickconnector body with another aspect of an assurance cap;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one end of the assurance cap shown inFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partially cross-sectional side elevation view of theassurance cap shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of an opposite end of the assurance capshown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an opposite end of the assurance capshown in FIGS. 10-12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the fully latched position ofthe assurance cap of FIGS. 9-13 on the quick connector body;

FIG. 15A is a side elevational view of a tubular member insertable intothe quick connector body;

FIGS. 15B, 15C, and 15D are perspective views showing the installationof the tubular member shown in the assurance cap of FIGS. 9-13 topre-mount the assurance cap on the tubular member;

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an assurance cap;

FIG. 16B is a partially opened perspective view of the assurance capshown in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional perspective view of the assurance capshown in FIGS. 16A and 16B mounted on a tubular member, which is in afully inserted position within a quick connector body;

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an assurance cap;

FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the assurance cap shown in FIG.17A;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of an assurance cap;

FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view of the assurance cap shown in FIG.18A;

FIG. 19A is a side elevational view of a quick connector body;

FIG. 19B is a partial enlarged side elevational view of a portion of thequick connector body shown in FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20A is a side elevational view of a quick connector body;

FIG. 20B is a partial enlarged side elevational view of a portion of thequick connector body shown in FIG. 20A;

FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of an assurance cap shown in anassembled position on a quick connector body; and,

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the assurance cap and quick connectorbody shown in FIG. 21A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers ondifferent drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar,structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are notlimited to the disclosed aspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to theparticular methodology, materials and modifications described and assuch may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only,and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood thatany methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein can be used in the practice or testing of the exampleembodiments. The assembly of the present disclosure could be driven byhydraulics, electronics, pneumatics, and/or springs.

It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymouswith terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,”“around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in theneighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be usedinterchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It shouldbe appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms suchas “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,”“adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably asappearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” isintended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

It should be appreciated that facet joints are a set of synovial, planejoints between the articular processes of two adjacent vertebrae. Thereare two facet joints in each spinal motion segment and each facet jointis innervated by the recurrent meningeal nerves.

By “non-rotatably connected” elements, we mean that: the elements areconnected so that whenever one of the elements rotate, all the elementsrotate; and relative rotation between the elements is not possible.Radial and/or axial movement of non-rotatably connected elements withrespect to each other is possible, but not required. By “rotatablyconnected” elements, we mean that the elements are rotatable withrespect to each other.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is depicted prior art fluid connector 20which locks first end 22 of tubular member 24 in connector or fittingbody 26 which is itself removably mountable in a port, such as byengagement of external threads 28 on one end of body 26 with internalthreads in the port.

Tubular member 24 is generally made of metallic materials, but rigidplastic material may also be employed. Tubular member 24 comprises agenerally constant diameter extending from first end 22.

Head section 30 extends from first end 22 at first diameter portion 32to an outward extending endform comprising tapered raised surface 34which terminates at a large diameter end and radially extending shoulder36.

Connector body 26 can be, but need not necessarily be, integrally madefrom a single piece of metallic or plastic material. Body 26 comprisesthrough bore 40 extending from first end 42 to opposite second end 44.Bore 40 need not have a constant diameter between first and second ends42 and 44. Annular internal groove 46 is formed in body 26 intermediatefirst and second ends 42 and 44 and receives seal member 48, such as anO-ring, for sealing tubular member 24 to body 26 and to prevent fluidleakage there between.

As described above, body 26 comprises externally threaded end portion 28spaced from first end 42. Recessed radially inward extending groove 50can be formed in certain applications adjacent one end of threaded endportion 28 and annular collar 52 to receive a washer, not shown.Hexagonal portion or flange section 54 is formed adjacent annular collar52. Reduced diameter receiving portion 56 comprising a generallyconstant diameter extends from one end of hexagonal portion 54 to secondend 44 of body 26. Recessed, outward opening, annular groove 58 isformed in receiving portion 56. Groove 58 comprises a constant closedinner end facing bore 40 in body 26 which is interrupted by one or morecircumferentially spaced slots.

Retainer clip 60 is mounted in groove 58. Retainer clip 60 can be, butneed not necessarily be formed of a spring wire. Retainer clip 60 can beformed with inwardly extending protrusions which project through theslots in groove 58, when retainer clip 60 is in a relaxed state behindtapered shoulder 36 on tubular member 24, to lock tubular member 24 toconnector body 26.

When first end 22 of tubular member 24 is inserted in receiving portion56 of body 26, first end 22 and head section 30 of tubular member 24slide through receiving portion 56 toward first end 42 of body 26. Theinward extending protrusions on retainer clip 60 seated in groove 58slide along tapered surface 34 on tubular member 24 causing retainerclip 60 to expand radially outward moving the protrusions on retainerclip 60 out of bore 40 until tapered shoulder 36 of tubular member 24slides past one end of retainer clip 60. At this point, the protrusionson retainer clip 60 snap radially inward into bore 40 behind taperedshoulder 36 locking tubular member 24 in body 26. Also, at this pointduring the insertion process, the outermost portions of retainer clip 60extend only slightly above the outer surface of receiving portion 56 ofthe body 26.

Prior art assurance cap 62 shown in FIG. 1, carried on tubular member24, can then be slid over receiving portion 56 of body 26. Assurance cap62 includes inward opening recess 64, which is positioned between theends of assurance cap 62 to encompass the outer portions of retainerclip 60 extending outward from body 26 when retainer clip 60 is in thefully seated position in groove 58 behind tapered shoulder 36 of tubularmember 24. This provides the installer with a visual indication thattubular member 24 is fully inserted and seated in body 26 in a fluidsealed position.

In the event that tubular member 24 is not fully inserted into body 26such that it is not in the position shown in FIG. 1, the outer portionsof clip 60 will have been pushed radially outward into a radiallyexpanded state as clip 60 rides up along the tapered surface 34 oftubular member 24. The outer tips of the outer portions of retainer clip60 then extend further outward beyond the outer surface of receivingportion 56 of the body 26 in an interference position with the slidingmovement of assurance cap 62. This interference prevents assurance cap62 from being slid fully forward such that recess 64 cannot snap overclip 60. Since assurance cap 62 is therefore not in a fully forwardposition, the installer has a visual indication that tubular member 24is not fully inserted into body 26.

FIGS. 2-8 depict alternate assurance cap 500 mounted on fluid connectorassembly 420. Fluid connector assembly 420 locks first end 422 of fluidflow tubular member or conduit 424 (hereafter “tubular member 424”) inconnector body 426 which is itself removably mountable in a port, suchas by engagement of external thread 428 on one end of body 426 withinternal threads in the port of an external device, connector, housing,etc.

Tubular member 424 comprises a generally constant diameter extendingfrom first end 422. Head section 430 extends from first end 422 at afirst diameter 432 to an outward extending endform comprising taperedradially outward endform ramp portion 434 which terminates in a largediameter end and radially extending shoulder 436. Raised bead or collar437 is formed on the exterior surface of tubular member 424 and extendsaxially from radially extending shoulder 436 for a short distance to endor shoulder 438 which transitions to the constant first diameter of theoverall tubular member 424.

Connector body 426 comprises through-bore 440 extending from first end442 to opposite second end 444. Through-bore 440 may or may not have aconstant diameter between first and second ends 442 and 444. Annularinternal groove 446 is formed in connector body 426 intermediate firstand second ends 442 and 444 and receives a seal member, such as O-ring448, for sealing tubular member 424 to connector body 426 and to preventfluid leakage there between.

Connector body 426 comprises external threaded end portion 428 spacedfrom first end 442. Radially inward extending groove 450 can be formedadjacent one end of threaded end portion 428 for receiving external sealmember 451, such as an O-ring, for sealing connector body 426 to theexternal component. Hexagonal portion or flange section 454 is formedadjacent to recess 450.

Annular recess or groove 476 of a first diameter extends axially fromone edge of hexagonal portion 454. Recess 476 terminates in a radiallyoutward extending shoulder at one end of annular ring 470. Annular ring470 transitions into radially inward extending ramp or conical surface472 which transitions into an axially extending surface 466 comprisingan outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of recess 476. Axialsurface 466 transitions into recess or groove 468. Groove 468 includes aplurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 469, with threeapertures being employed, for example, for three-protrusion retainerclip 460. Recess 468 transitions into larger diameter end annular ring464 which extends to second end 444 of body 426.

Resilient retainer clip 460 (hereinafter “clip 460”) mounted in groove468 can be, but need not necessarily be, formed of a single piece ofspring wire. Clip 460 can be formed with a plurality of radially inwardextending protrusions which project through slots or apertures 469 ingroove 468 when clip 460 is in a relaxed state behind the radiallyextending shoulder 436 on tubular member 424 to lock tubular member 424to connector body 426. At the same time, clip 460 can be in a relaxedstate prior to insertion of tubular member 424 into open insertionsecond end 444 of connector body 426.

When first end 422 of tubular member 424 is inserted into open secondend 444 of connector body 426, first end 422 and head section 430 oftubular member 424 slide through the aperture in bore 440 at second end444 of connector body 426 toward first end 442 of connector body 426.The inwardly extending protrusions on clip 460 slide along taperedendform ramp portion 434 on tubular member 424 causing clip 460 toexpand radially outward moving the protrusions on resilient clip 460 outof groove 468 until radially extending shoulder 436 on the end ofoutward tapered endform ramp portion 434 of tubular member 424 slidepast one end of clip 460. At this point, the protrusions on clip 460snap radially inward into bore 440 in connector body 426 behind radiallyextending shoulder 436 locking tubular member 424 in connector body 426.

As shown in FIGS. 2-8, assurance cap 500 is in the form of a one-piecebody, which may be molded, machined, or otherwise formed out of plastic,metal, such as aluminum, etc.

Assurance cap 500 is formed with first outer annular ring 502 at firstend 503. Inner support ring 504, generally in the form of a cylindricalannular member, comprises first end 506 generally disposed coplanar withfirst end 503 of first annular outer ring 502, and second opposed end508 spaced a distance by a tubular wall of inner support ring 504 fromfirst end 506 of inner support ring 504. Inner support ring 504 includesa hollow interior defining through bore 510 extending between first andsecond ends 506 and 508.

A plurality of radially extending ribs 512 form spokes extendingradially outward between inner support ring 504 and first outer annularring 502. Ribs 512 are circumferentially spaced about the first end offirst outer annular ring 502 and have an overall length extending fromfirst end 503 of first outer annular ring 502 and first end 506 of innersupport ring 504 for a predetermined distance less than the length ofinner support ring 504 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7.

A plurality of primary latch fingers 520 and a plurality of steppedfingers 522 are formed on the body of assurance cap 500 and are arrangedin an annular, circumferential spaced, arrangement extending parallel tothe longitudinal axis of assurance cap 500 from first annular ring 502at first end 503 of assurance cap 500.

Primary latch fingers 520 and stepped fingers 522 are arranged in agenerally alternating arrangement around the periphery of first end 503of assurance cap 500. Although primary latch fingers 520 and steppedfingers 522 may alternate in a circumferentially spaced side-by-sidearrangement of one primary latch finger 520 located between two steppedfingers, by example only, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, two primary latchfingers 520 are arranged in a spaced side-by-side pair between singlestepped fingers 522. This arrangement of two primary latch fingers 520between two spaced stepped fingers 522 continues in a circumferentialconsecutive manner about the periphery of the body of assurance cap 500.

Primary latch fingers 520 are formed of an axially extending member witha generally planar, slightly arcuate leg 524 which is recessed a shortdistance below the outer periphery of first outer annular ring 502.Elongated rib or structural support 526 is integrally formed on leg 524and projects axially from the outer peripheral edge of annular ring 502.Rib 526 provides structural support for leg 524 of primary latch fingers520 while still allowing flexure of primary latch fingers 520 asdescribed hereafter.

Leg 524 of each primary latch finger 520 terminates in outer end 528.Projection 530 is formed on outer end 528 of primary latch fingers 520and projects radially inward from inner surface 532 of primary latchfinger 520 to form shoulder 534 extending radially inward from outer end528 of primary latch finger 520.

Stepped fingers 522 have outmost first step 540 which terminates inouter end 541 contiguous with outer end 528 of each primary latch finger520. Second step 542 is disposed axially adjacent first step 540 andcomprises an inner surface disposed radially inward of the inner surfaceof first step 540. Third step 544 is disposed axially adjacent secondstep 542 and includes an inner surface disposed radially inward of theinner surface of second step 542.

Primary latch fingers 520 and stepped fingers 522 are circumferentiallyspaced apart by slots 550 which open at first ends 528 and 541 ofprimary latch fingers 520 and stepped fingers 522, respectively. Slots550 are generally axially aligned with ribs 512. Slots 550 provide adegree of flexibility to primary latch fingers 520 and stepped fingers522.

Referring to FIGS. 3B and 8, assurance cap 500 is first installed overtubular member 424 from either end of tubular member 424 prior toformation of endform ramp portion 434 adjacent first end 422 of tubularmember 424. Endform ramp portion 434 slidably captures assurance cap 500on tubular member 424.

Alternately, assurance cap 500 may be inserted over tubular member 424from the end of tubular member 424 opposite first end 422 prior to theconnection of the opposite end of tubular member 424 to anothercomponent. Endform ramp portion 434, in this alternate installation, canbe pre-formed on tubular member 424 prior to the mounting of assurancecap 500 from the opposite end of tubular member 424.

When tubular member 424 is to be coupled to quick connector body 426,first end 422 of tubular member 424 is inserted through open first end444 of connector body 426. The ramp surface of endform ramp portion 434of tubular member 424 will engage the radially inward extendingprojection on clip 460 and force the entire clip radially outward until,when first end 422 of tubular member 424 is fully inserted into bore 440in connector body 426, the projections on clip 460 snap radially inwardto their relaxed normal state behind radially extending shoulder 436 onendform ramp portion 434 on tubular member 424.

With tubular member 424 locked to connector body 426 by clip 460, theoperator can slide assurance cap 500 toward hex portion 454 of quickconnector body 426. Projections 530 on outer ends 528 of primary latchfingers 520 will engage ramp surface 472 on connector body 426 forcingthe ends of primary latch fingers 520 radially outward. When assurancecap 500 is in the fully forward position, projections 530 snap intorecess or groove 476 on connector body 426 latching assurance cap 500 toquick connector body 426. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 3B, secondstep 542 of each stepped finger 522 will be located circumferentiallyover the outer surface of clip 460. This arrangement holds clip 460 inits normal non-expanded state and prevents expansion of clip 460 due toany axial separation forces exerted on connector body 426 and/or tubularmember 424 tending to disengage or separate connector body 426 andtubular member 424. Stepped fingers 552 thereby act as an axillary latchfor assurance cap 500.

The arrangement of a pair of primary latch fingers 520, one steppedfingers 522, pair of primary latch fingers 520, etc., about thecircumference of assurance cap 500 enables one or two stepped fingers522 to be in contact with clip 560 at all annular positions of assurancecap 500 relative to quick connector body 426.

When projections 530 on primary latch fingers 520 are in the fullylatched position in groove 476 on quick connector body 426, inner end508 of inner support ring 504 will be in engagement with shoulder 438 onraised bead or flange 437 on tubular member 424. This serves as asecondary latch function securing assurance cap 500 to connector body426 and tubular member 424 in the fully inserted position of tubularmember 424 in connector body 426 between engaged projections 530 ofprimary latch fingers 520 in groove 476 and engaged inner end 508 ofinner support ring 504 with flange 437 on tubular member 424.

Referring briefly to FIG. 8, the primary function of assurance cap 500is to insure that tubular member 424 is fully inserted into quickconnector body 426 so that tubular member 424 can be latched in place byclip 460. During the insertion of tubular member 424 into bore 440 inquick connector body 426, the installer may feel resistant to forwardinsertion movement of tubular member 424 into bore 440 when, forexample, first end 422 of tubular member 424 contacts O-ring 448 in theinterior of quick connector body 426. This may give a false fullinsertion indication to the installer. However, assurance cap 500 isconfigured so that at all non-fully inserted position of tubular member424 relative to quick connector body 426, projections 530 on ends 528 ofprimary latch fingers 520 will not be fully latched in recess or groove476 in connector body 426; but rather, will be in engagement with rampsurface 472 on radial outer surface 470 on connector body as shown inFIG. 8. This prevents latching of primary latch fingers 520 to quickconnector body 426. A non-fixed position of body 426 or a slightpull-out movement by the installer exerted on assurance cap 500 movingassurance cap 500 away from body 426 will provide an indication ofnon-latching of assurance cap 500 to quick connector body 426.

At the same time, assurance cap 500, due to the rib support structure ofprimary latch fingers 520 and the number of such primary latch fingers520 on assurance cap 500 and primary latching of projections 530 ofprimary latch fingers 520 in groove 476 of quick connector body 426 andengagement of inner end 508 of inner support ring 504 with shoulder 438on radially extending shoulder 436 on tubular member 424, provides aresistance force sufficient to prevent axial separation of tubularmember 424 from quick connector body 426 despite any axial separationforces acting on quick connector body and tubular member 424.

FIG. 9 depicts fluid connector 20 of FIG. 1 which is used to sealinglylock the tubular member 24 to the body 26. However, fluid connector 20in FIG. 9 includes novel assurance cap 70 which provides assurance of afull insertion of tubular member 24 into body 26 and, at the same time,provides secondary latches to hold assurance cap 70 on body 26 and toprovide an additional latching force against disengagement of tubularmember 24 from body 26.

Assurance cap 70, shown in an assembled position in FIG. 9 and indetailed views in FIGS. 10-14 and FIGS. 15A-15D, can be formed of amaterial having a suitable strength, such as high strength plastic, or ametal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, etc.

In this aspect, assurance cap 70 is in the form of annular body 72comprising first end 74, opposed second end 76, and intermediatesidewall 78 extending between first and second ends 74 and 76. At leastone or a plurality of slots 80, with three slots 80 shown by example,are formed through first end 74 and a portion of sidewall 78 to separatesidewall 78 into a plurality of fingers with three fingers 82, 84, and86 being shown by example in FIGS. 10-14. Slots 80 and interveningfingers 82, 84, and 86 provide flexibility to assurance cap 70 allowingfirst end 74 of assurance cap 70 to flex radially outward over the outersurface of receiving portion 56 of body 26 until assurance cap 70 hasreached its fully forward position of movement, as described hereafter.

First end 74 of each of fingers 82, 84, and 86 comprises rounded overend portion 90 which terminates in radially inward extending edge 92forming shoulder 94. Shoulder 94 is configured to snap over and engagemating shoulder 96 formed along one side of open ended annular groove 98formed in body 26 between hexagonal portion 54 and receiving portion 56of body 26. Shoulders 94 on each of the three fingers 82, 84, and 86,which extend over substantially the entire circumference of assurancecap 70, provide a secure circumferential secondary latching force tosecure assurance cap 70 on body 26 as well as providing additionallatching force to resist separation of tubular member 24 from body 26.

Second end 76 of assurance cap 70 comprises a partially closed,irregularly shaped endwall 100 which includes keyhole shaped aperture102 comprising reduced diameter or width first end portion 104 andlarger diameter second end portion 106. The walls forming first endportion 104 and second end portion 106 are generally arcuate to enableassurance cap 70 to be mounted over first end 22 of tubular member 24 asdescribed hereafter and shown in FIGS. 15A-15D.

Diametrically opposed, inward extending fingers 110 and 112 are providedgenerally centrally in endwall 100 on second end 76 of assurance cap 70.Fingers 110 and 112, with only finger 112 shown in FIG. 10, have inwardcurled wall 114 terminating in inner edge wall 116. As shown in FIG. 9,wall 114 is generally parallel to intermediate sidewall 78 of assurancecap 70, with inner edge wall 116 facing, but spaced from resilient clip60.

Edge walls 114 will rest on raised bead 115 on tubular member 24extending from tapered shoulder 36 at the fully inserted position oftubular member 24 in body 26 latching assurance cap 70 on body 26between shoulders 94 on fingers 82, 84, and 86 and fingers 110 and 112.

Fingers 110 and 112 provide an additional engagement or latchingfunction for assurance cap 70 on fluid connector 20 when assurance cap70 is in the full forward, latched position shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 15A-15D depict the orientation of tubular member 24 and assurancecap 70 for mounting of assurance cap 70 over first end 22 of tubularmember 24 and tapered surface 34. At the time of assembly, assurance cap70 is oriented as shown in FIG. 15B with longitudinal axis 120 extendingthrough keyhole shaped aperture 102 oriented at an angle along axis line122 of tubular member 24 in FIG. 15A to bring larger diameter or widthsecond end portion 106 of keyhole shaped aperture 102 over largediameter end 37 of tapered surface 34 of tubular member 24.

The other end of assurance cap 70 can then be pivoted in the directionof arrow 124 in FIG. 15C to move entire keyhole shaped aperture 102 overlarge diameter end 37 of tapered surface 34 of tubular member 24 untilfirst end 74 of assurance cap 70 clears large diameter end 37 of taperedsurface 34 of tubular member 24.

After large diameter end 37 of tapered shoulder 36 of tubular member 24has been urged past the inner edges of large diameter end portion 106 ofkeyhole aperture 102 in assurance cap 70, assurance cap 70 can be tiltedupward toward a perpendicular orientation with respect to a longitudinalaxis of tubular member 24 and moved longitudinally along tubular member24 until the inner edges of keyhole shaped aperture 102 are completelypast large diameter end 37 of tapered surface 34 of tubular member 24,as shown in FIG. 15C. Assurance cap 70 can then be urged or slid intosmaller diameter first end portion 104 of keyhole shaped aperture 102 tocenter assurance cap 70 with respect to tubular member 24 as shown inFIG. 15D.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C, there is depicted anotheraspect of assurance cap 130 which functions in the same manner asassurance cap 70 described above and shown in FIGS. 9-15D. Assurance cap130 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending, spaced fingers132, each with radially inward extending edge 134 terminating inshoulder 136 configured to latchably engage edge 96 of groove 98 influid connector 20 to secure assurance cap 130 in position at itsforward most position of movement relative to tubular member 24 and body26. It should be noted that instead of three longer circumferentiallength fingers 82, 84, and 86, fingers 132 in assurance cap 130 aresmaller in length and greater in number to provide a greater degree offlexibility to enable assurance cap 130 to be easily slid over theraised end of receiving portion 56 of body 26.

Assurance cap 130 comprises a body with hinge 140 interconnecting firstbody section 142 with second body section 144. First and second bodysections 142 and 144 are pivotally movable with respect to each otherabout hinge 140 from an open position shown in FIG. 16B which enablesassurance cap 130 to be mounted over tubular member 24 to a closedposition forming a continuous body about tubular member 24 by pivotalmovement of first and second body sections 142 and 144 toward each otherabout hinge 140 until latch finger 146 on second body section 144engages latch recess 148 in opposite first body section 142 as shown inFIG. 16B. The engagement of latch finger 146 in latch recess 148 locksfirst and second body sections 142 and 144 of assurance cap 130 into acontinuous body encircling tubular member 24.

It should also be noted that the second end of assurance cap 130comprises a radially inward extending skirt formed of first skirtportion 152 on first body section 142 of assurance cap 130 and secondskirt portion 154 on second body section 144 of assurance cap 130.Arcuate inner edges 156 and 158 respectively on first and second skirtportions 152 and 154 form a continuous annular edge configured to engageor be slightly spaced from the outer surface of tubular member 24 whenassurance cap 130 is slid to its forward most position over tubularmember 24 and latched to body 26 as shown in FIG. 16C. First and secondskirt portions 152 and 154 also act to center assurance cap 130 abouttubular member 24 during the forward sliding movement of assurance cap130.

Raised annular rib 160 is formed on the outer surface of assurance cap130 between the first and second ends to act as a gripping surface tofacilitate movement of assurance cap 130 from a rest position abouttubular member 24 to its forward position shown in FIG. 16C.

The two-part hinged cap described above and shown in FIGS. 16A-16B maybe applied to any of the other assurance caps described herein.Particularly, assurance cap 500 described above and shown in FIGS. 2-8can be split into two hinged body section by a slit along one of theslots 550, annular ring 502 at first end 503 of assurance cap 500 andinner support ring 504. This hinged arrangement for assurance cap 500enables assurance cap 500 to be snapped around tubular member 424 afterendform ramp portion 434 has been formed on tubular member 424.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show another modification in assurance cap 170. Inthis aspect, assurance cap 170 comprises a unitary, close annular,one-piece cylindrical-shaped body 172. The first end of body 172comprises a plurality of fingers 174 spaced apart by longitudinallyextending slots 176. Inward extending edges 178 terminating in radiallyinward extending shoulder 180 extend from one end of each of the fingers174 to engage edge 96 of groove 98 in body 26 to latch assurance cap 170to body 26 in a forward most position of movement indicating fullinsertion of tubular member 24 in body 26.

Annular radially outward extending ring 182 is formed intermediate thefirst end and opposed second end of body 172 to act as a grippingsurface to facilitate movement of assurance cap 170.

Second end 184 of body 172 includes continuous annular outer ring 186and radially inward conical-shaped skirt 188 extending from outer ring186 to inner edge 190. A plurality of radially extending slots 192 areformed in skirt 188 and extend from the inner edge 190 partially throughthe radial extent of skirt 188. Slots 192 divide 188 into a plurality ofradially inward, conically tapered fingers 194. Slots 192 provideflexibility to fingers 194 to enable assurance cap 170 to be forciblyurged over large diameter end portion 37 of tapered surface 34 ontubular member 24 to mount assurance cap 170 on tubular member 24 priorto insertion of tubular member 24 into body 26.

FIGS. 18A and 18B depict another aspect of assurance cap 200 which issubstantially similar to assurance cap 170 in that assurance cap 200 isformed of continuous one-piece body 201 comprising a plurality offingers 202 at first end spaced apart by slots 204. Fingers 202terminate in inward extending edge 206 comprising inner shoulder 208 toengage edge 96 in groove 98 of body 26 when assurance cap 200 is movedto its forward position relative to body 26 indicating full insertion oftubular member 24 in body 26.

Radially outward extending rib 210 is formed in body 201 intermediatethe first and second ends. Second end 212 of body 201 is formed asannular ring 214 from which conically shaped radially inward extendingskirt 216 extends to inner edge 218 defining an aperture the same sizeor slightly larger than the outer diameter of the constant diameterportion of tubular member 24.

In this aspect of assurance cap 200, skirt 216 does not include anyslots. This aspect includes assurance cap 200 installed on tubularmember 24 before the ramp or endform is formed.

Referring now to FIGS. 19A and 19B, there is depicted another aspect ofbody 230, which includes variations from body 26 shown in FIG. 9. Asmost of body 230 is identically constructed as body 26, only variationsbetween body 230 and body 26 will be described in detail.

As shown in body 26 depicted in FIG. 9, receiving portion 56 extendingfrom end 57 of fitting body 26 includes a constant outer diameter. Thisallows radially inward turned edges 92 of fingers 80, 82, and 84 onfirst end 74 of assurance cap 70 to snap into recessed groove 98 in body26.

In body 230 depicted in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the receiving portionextending from first end 232 of body 230 comprises first diameter endportion 234 and second smaller diameter end portion 236 disposed onopposite sides of groove 238 which receives resilient clip 60. Raisedintermediate annular ring 240 is formed adjacent to second end portion236 and includes radially outward, extending conically shaped, taperedendwall 242 extending from second end portion 236. The outer diameter ofring 240 is larger than the diameters of first and second end portions234 and 236 of the receiving portion of body 230.

Recessed groove 244 is formed between annular ring 240 and hexagonalshaped portion 54 of body 230. Inner surface 246 of groove 244 comprisesa diameter smaller than the diameter of second end portion 236 of theinsertion portion of body 230 to define a recess for receiving the latchportions of the fingers of the assurance cap in the fully insertedposition relative to body 26.

During such forward sliding movement of any of the assurance capsdescribed above, the radially inward turned fingers of the assurance capflex outward over tapered endwall 242 and then along the outer surfaceof ring 240 before snapping in latched engagement with groove 244 toprovide the secondary latch function for the assurance cap.

In another variation of body 260 shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, again body260 is substantially the same as body 26 and only variations therebetween will be described in detail.

Like body 230 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, body 260 comprises first end262 from which extends first end portion 264 of the receiving portion ata first diameter. The receiving portion includes second end portion 266,also at the same diameter to define recess 268 for resilient clip 60.

Body 260 also includes raised annular ring 270 comprising an outerdiameter greater than the first diameters of first and second endportions 264 and 266. Radially outward, conical shaped tapered surface272 extends from second end portion 266 to raised annular ring 270.Recess or groove 274 is formed between raised annular ring 270 and hexedshaped portion 54 of body 260. Inner surface 276 of groove 274 is spacedat the same first diameter of first and second end portions 264 and 266of the receiving portion of body 260.

In this aspect, annular ring 270 forms a raised outermost portion of thereceiving portion of body 260. The difference between the outer diameterof annular ring 270 and inner surface 276 of adjacent groove 274requires that the fingers on the assurance cap can be flexed outwardover the raised outer edge of annular ring 270 before snapping over theouter edge of annular ring 270 into groove 274.

Referring now to FIGS. 21A and 21B, there is depicted another variationin the construction of assurance cap 300. In this aspect, assurance cap300 is similar to assurance cap 70 described above and shown in FIGS.2-8D except that the assurance cap 300 includes two small latch fingers302 and 304 extending from intermediate annular portion 306. Fingers 302and 304, which can be provided in any number, such as two, three, ormore fingers, are configured more as standalone latch fingers ratherthan the closely separated fingers 82, 84, and 86 on assurance cap 70,which have a much longer circumferential extent.

Latch fingers 302 and 304 are constructed similarly to latch fingers 82,84, and 86 in assurance cap 70 and are designed to snap into and latchin groove 98 on body 26 when tubular member 24 is fully inserted intobody 26.

Fingers 302 and 304 are spaced apart about the circumference ofassurance cap 300 in an angular orientation designed to intercept theraised portions of the resilient clip which would extend outward beyondthe upper extent of receiving portion 56 of body 26 from groove 98 whentubular member 24 is not fully inserted in body 26. Thus, for example,in a two finger construction shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the two fingers302 and 304 are spaced less than 180° apart to one side of assurance cap300 and greater than 180° apart on the other side of assurance cap 300.

As shown in FIG. 21B, fingers 302 and 304 are circumferentially spacedso that at least one of fingers 302 or 304 is in a interference positionwith retainer clip 60 so as to strike a raised portion of retainer clip60 extending out of groove 68 in body 26 to prevent full movement ofassurance cap 300 to the fully forward latched position. This assuresthat assurance cap 300 functions in its intended manner regardless ofits angular orientation with respect to the protrusions and outerportions of retainer clip 60 in the groove 58.

It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above andother features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Variouspresently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by thoseskilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid connector for coupling a tubular memberhaving an endform spaced from a first insertion end to an externalcomponent, comprising: a connector body, including: a bore having afirst end for receiving the tubular member; a constant diameter outersurface extending only between the first end and a flange section; afirst exterior groove spaced from the first end and arranged forreceiving one or more projections of an assurance cap for latching theassurance cap to the connector body when the tubular member is fullyinserted into the bore; and, a second exterior groove disposed in theouter surface between the first end and the first exterior groove, thesecond exterior groove extending radially inward from the outer surfaceand comprising one or more apertures that extend to the bore; whereinthe first exterior groove has a first radius and the outer surface has asecond radius, the second radius being greater than the first radius. 2.The fluid connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the first exteriorgroove is an annular groove.
 3. The fluid connector as recited in claim1, wherein: the flange section is spaced from the first end; and, thefirst exterior groove is disposed between the first end and the flangesection.
 4. The fluid connector as recited in claim 3, wherein the firstexterior groove is arranged adjacent to the flange section.
 5. The fluidconnector as recited in claim 1, wherein the connector body furthercomprises a raised portion extending from the outer surface.
 6. Thefluid connector as recited in claim 5, wherein the raised portionincludes an outward extending tapered portion.
 7. The fluid connector asrecited in claim 5, wherein the raised portion is arranged adjacent tothe first exterior groove.
 8. The fluid connector as recited in claim 5,wherein the second exterior groove is disposed between the first end andthe raised portion.
 9. The fluid connector as recited in claim 8,wherein the second exterior groove is an annular groove.
 10. The fluidconnector as recited in claim 1, further comprising a retainer cliparranged in the second exterior groove and extending partially into thebore to engage a shoulder of the endform to lock the tubular member inthe connector body when the first insertion end is fully inserted intothe bore.
 11. The fluid connector as recited in claim 10, wherein theretainer clip comprises one or more radially inward extendingprotrusions which project through the one or more apertures to engagethe shoulder.